Re: RE: Deuce Brakes??
devilman96 said:
Use the clutch and engine as your brake...
Best idea yet, just make sure the engine stop is pulled all the way out as Joel mentioned, and keep it moving VERY slowly. The Deuce engine WILL run in reverse, not a good situation for the engine.
The hydraulic brakes WILL work without air assist, not real well but will work IF you have fluid in the master cylinder as mentioned.
Place little to no faith in the E-brake. It is a PARKING brake, not an EMERGENCY brake. It has very little stopping power on a rolling vehicle.
The combination of engine brake, unassisted hydraulic brakes (if working), and parking brake (if adjusted to work in the first place, most used trucks aren't) should stop a slowly moving truck. I'd also suggest an assortment of 6" x 6" lumber or similar sized logs spread a few feet apart as a point of last resort at the place where you absolutely have to stop the truck.
Better yet, borrow or rent a good sized chain hoist hooked to the trailer and your front bumper so you can control the roll back.
BTW, I disagree with using 1st or reverse and low range for engine braking. The gearing will provide mechanical advantage to spin the engine easier. Ever try to start a Deuce moving in 5th high? Doesn't happen.
On several occasions I have accidentally made a 1st to 5th upshift (instead of the recommended 1st to 2nd upshift) and the engine immediately stalled. If the truck was still rolling and I quickly got it into 2nd gear and popped the clutch, the engine would immediately restart.
If you use engine braking, using 5th high so the gearing works to your advantage. In no way is your engine even going to spin over, let alone start, at a roll off speed in 5th high.